Volunteering for a Greater Boston

Ready to Run: Team MR8’s Diane Pokorny Wilson

Team MR8 is 100 people running this year’s Boston Marathon in honor of Martin Richard, the 8-year-old from Dorchester who was the only child to die last year as a result of the bombings. Boston Cares interviewed team member Diane Pokorny Wilson, who was Martin’s volunteer running coach at school.

Is this your first Marathon?

This is my first marathon. Though I am an avid runner, and even a women’s running coach, I have stuck with mostly the 10k and half marathon distances.

How hard was it training this long, cold winter?

Training though the winter has been difficult, but being part of the team has helped tremendously. The only tough training runs were the cold ones alone.

I know you’re already a volunteer at the school Martin Richard attended. Tell me about the Peacemaker program there that your son and Martin were both recognized by.

The Peacemaker program honors students who foster a peaceful, supportive school community. Martin’s attitude and willingness to work and play with all kids epitomizes what it means to be a peacemaker.

Can you tell us about how the foundation’s focus on investments in education, athletics and community resonated with you and how you think it will help foster peace?

I am thrilled with the focus of the foundation to support things that were important to Martin. I think it is important we teach our children young how to be peaceful, kind, accepting human beings and this focus will help by promoting peace curriculum, supporting youth athletics, and building adaptive play areas where all kids can play together.

What’s going to help you get to mile 26 on Patriots’ Day?

Martin’s smile and spirit will get me through the hills of Newton and beyond–I’m sure of it!

To support Diane’s run, visit her page on teammr8.org. So far the runners have raised more than $1 million. You can also follow the team on its Facebook page.